Fried chicken and sides at a Black-owned soul food restaurant in Charlotte
  1. City guides
  2. Charlotte
  3. Soul food

Best Soul Food in Charlotte: 7 Black-Owned Restaurants (2026)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

Looking for the best soul food in Charlotte? These 7 Black-owned restaurants cover everything from fried chicken, catfish and smothered chops to brunch spots and modern Southern kitchens. You'll find them in Uptown, Washington Heights, West Charlotte and Fourth Ward. Our top picks are Mert's Heart and Soul, The Original Chicken 'n Ribs and Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish.

Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.

← Back to the full Charlotte guide

Black-owned soul food restaurants in Charlotte

7 places
  • Soul food Top pick

    Uptown

    1.Mert's Heart and Soul

    Must tryShrimp and grits, cornbread and Soul Rolls

    Uptown soul food restaurant opened in 1998 and owned by James Bazzelle, serving Southern and Gullah/Low Country dishes. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

    214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    View details Directions
  • Soul food Top pick

    Washington Heights (Beatties Ford Rd)

    2.The Original Chicken 'n Ribs

    Must tryFried chicken and ribs

    Third-generation, Blackmon family-owned restaurant that was listed in the Green Book from 1963 to 1967. WBTV calls it the oldest Black-owned restaurant still operating in Charlotte,...

    1100 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food Top pick

    Uptown / Dalton Village area

    3.Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

    Must tryFried chicken and fried fish

    Long-running local chain for fried chicken, fish and Southern sides. The Dalton Avenue location near Uptown opened in 2023 and added cocktails and live entertainment.

    413 Dalton Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206

    View details Directions
  • Soul food

    Uptown (Queen City Quarter)

    4.Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley

    Must tryFried catfish, shrimp and grits, jerk lamb chops

    Two-story Southern comfort-food restaurant from the Dallas-based Kevin Kelley brand, opened in June 2024 in the former EpiCentre. It also has locations in DC, Chicago and...

    210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    View details Directions Website
  • Soul food

    West Charlotte (Oak Lake Blvd)

    5.Nana Morrison's Soul Food

    Must tryFried chicken and daily specials

    Cafeteria-style soul food restaurant owned by Shawn and Kiana Morrison, with a menu that rotates daily. A second location opened at Riverbend Shopping Center.

    2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Suite 106, Charlotte, NC 28208

    View details Directions
  • Soul food

    Fourth Ward (N Graham St)

    6.Freshwaters

    Must tryCatfish etouffee and crab cakes

    Small Southern and New Orleans-style soul food restaurant owned by Clifton and Sharon Freshwater. Hours are limited, generally Thursday through Sunday.

    516 N Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202

    View details Directions Call
  • Soul food

    University City

    7.Sol'Delish

    Must trySeafood mac and cheese, turkey wings

    Soul food restaurant opened in 2023 by Latell Brice, Marilyn Brice and Mac Stephenson. A second, larger location opened at The Boardwalk in University City in...

    9211 N Tryon St, Suite 1, Charlotte, NC 28262

    View details Directions
All of Charlotte Other cities

FAQ

What is the best soul food restaurant in Charlotte?

Mert's Heart and Soul in Uptown is the best-known pick for shrimp and grits and cornbread. The Original Chicken 'n Ribs on Beatties Ford Road is a family-run classic, and Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish is the local favorite for fried chicken and fish.

Which Charlotte neighborhoods have the most spots on this list?

Uptown, Washington Heights, West Charlotte and Fourth Ward each have places on this list.

How was this list made?

We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the list regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.

Keep exploring

Charlotte guide
All Black-owned categories in Charlotte Barbershops in Charlotte
Browse the full list Shops & bakeries in Charlotte
Browse the full list All city guides
Black-owned businesses in more US cities African black soap & shea butter
Skin care staples from our shop

Sources

Back to blog